Creating Intimate Wedding Spaces In Large Rooms

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and finding the right venue can be challenging. One common issue is finding a space that feels too large for the number of guests. However, with some creativity, it is possible to make a big room feel more intimate and cosy. One effective way to divide a large space is to use trees, plants, and shrubbery to create separate districts within the room. Another option is to use fabrics or textiles, such as drapes, to partition the space and lower the ceiling height, creating a more intimate atmosphere. Playing with lighting can also help shape the space and create a romantic, boho feel. Using a combination of different-shaped tables and creative seating arrangements can fill out the room and make it feel less empty. Finally, adding decorations such as tall centrepieces, colourful balloons, and bold patterns can also help to make a large room feel smaller and more personalised.

Use trees and plants to divide the space

Dividing a large space with trees and plants is a great way to create a more intimate setting for your wedding, especially if you're going for a boho, rustic, earthy, or minimalist theme. Here are some tips to help you achieve this look:

Use Trees to Divide the Space

Trees are an excellent way to divide a large room organically and create a cozier atmosphere. Opt for large trees or branch arrangements, especially ones with ball-like tops, such as olive trees, as they won't block conversations. Place them around the perimeter of the room to enclose the space visually and provide a living element that transforms the energy of the venue. If you're feeling creative, you can even decorate with a whole tree to celebrate your marriage!

Incorporate Potted Plants

Potted plants add a fresh and unexpected look to your wedding décor. They are also more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than fresh-cut flowers. Mix and match different types of plants, such as small trees, leafy plants, delicate ferns, and succulents, to create a textured and full arrangement. Play with various heights and shapes to add interest and ensure they don't obstruct your guests' views.

Create a Woodland Vibe

If you're going for a rustic or woodland theme, asymmetrical leafy plants and delicate ferns can lend a whimsical feel to your wedding. Mix and match the scale and shape of the planters, and add candles to create a soft, moody glow that complements the natural beauty of the plants.

Use Plants with Subtle Scents

Plants and herbs with pleasing smells, such as rosemary and lavender, not only create a romantic atmosphere but also provide a sensory experience for your guests. These subtle scents can enhance the overall ambiance of the wedding and create lasting olfactory memories.

Frame the Reception Area

Small potted trees can be used to frame your reception space beautifully, especially in an open-air dining area. The lush greenery will mimic the trees outside, creating a harmonious and natural setting for your celebration.

Incorporate a Tree Planting Ceremony

If you want to add a unique and symbolic touch to your wedding, consider having a tree-planting ceremony. Choose a tree variety that is meaningful to you and your partner, such as a fruit tree or an evergreen. During the ceremony, you and your partner will plant the tree together, symbolising your commitment and the roots you are putting down as a couple. This ritual can be adapted to any theme or location, and you can even involve your friends and family by having them add soil or water to the plant.

Use fabrics and textiles to partition spaces

Fabrics and textiles are a versatile and budget-friendly way to add elegance and personality to your wedding venue. They can be used to create a sophisticated look, add a touch of whimsy, or make a large space feel cozier for your guests. Here are some ideas to use fabrics and textiles to partition spaces and make a big room look smaller for your wedding:

Choose the Right Fabric

The type of fabric you choose will depend on the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Different fabrics create different atmospheres, so consider the colour, texture, and translucency of the fabric. For a dreamy, ethereal look, go for translucent fabrics like chiffon, organza, or tulle. These fabrics will play with light and shadow, creating a magical atmosphere. If you want a more opaque look, choose fabrics like rubia or cotton. You can also mix and match different fabrics to create a layered, textured look.

Suspend Drapes from the Ceiling

One effective way to use fabrics to partition your wedding space is to suspend drapes from the ceiling. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as creating a faux ceiling with floor-to-ceiling drapes or interlacing long, flowy ceiling drapes that crisscross back and forth. This will artificially lower the ceiling height, making the space feel more intimate. It can also be used to divide the room into smaller "districts", creating a cosy atmosphere.

Create a Backdrop

Fabric backdrops can be used to elevate your wedding décor and cover up areas of the venue you'd rather your guests not see. They can also be used to create a beautiful setting for wedding photos, adding depth and interest to the pictures. Consider using flowing drapery, sheer curtains, or patterned fabrics to create a romantic and whimsical atmosphere. You can also incorporate decorative elements like flowers, greenery, or string lights for added visual appeal.

Section Off Large Spaces

If your wedding space is large and open, you can use floor-to-ceiling draping to divide the area into smaller, more intimate spaces. This is a great way to create separate areas for different parts of the day, such as the meal, ceremony, or dance floor. Fabric partitions can be used to create cosy lounge areas with sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables, providing guests with a quiet space to relax and socialise.

Upgrade Structures with Fabric

Fabric can also be used to enhance existing structures in your wedding venue. Drape fabric over arches, canopies, tents, or gazebos to add a touch of elegance and tie the whole space together. You can also construct a fabric canopy to add dimension to your ceremony or reception area. Stand under a fabric canopy to exchange your vows or build a small structure over the dance floor for a statement piece.

Suspend decorations from the ceiling

Suspending decorations from the ceiling is a great way to make a large wedding venue feel more intimate. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Flowers

Flowers are a beautiful way to add colour and life to your wedding venue. Consider hanging flower arrangements from the ceiling to create a stunning visual display. You can make the display as big or small as you like, with flowers and foliage running up the ceiling or hanging down. For a rustic wedding, try wrapping flowers or foliage around hula hoops and suspending them from the ceiling. This creates a large yet elegant display that will wow your guests.

Drapes

Large white drapes can transform a room, especially when combined with fairy lights. Drape them from the ceiling to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere. You can hang them in different styles and ways to suit your taste and the style of your venue. Just be sure to check with your venue that it is ok to install these, as they will need to be fixed securely. There are also event ceiling drape companies that can help you with this.

Lanterns

If your venue has high ceilings, lanterns are a great option. You can adjust their height, allowing some to hang lower than others. Paper lanterns are lightweight and can be easily fixed in place, making them perfect for tipis and marquees. They come in a range of styles and colours, so you can find ones that fit your colour scheme.

Pom-poms

Similar to lanterns, pom-poms come in an array of colours and styles, making them a great alternative for ceiling decorations. They are simple to make, so they are perfect for a DIY wedding ceiling decoration.

Fairy Lights

Fairy lights can add a magical touch to your wedding venue, especially if it is an intimate space. They look great draped up on the ceiling, but keep in mind that if the room is very white and light, the fairy lights may be washed out.

Use creative seating arrangements

Creative seating arrangements can be a great way to make a big room look smaller for a wedding. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Mix Table Shapes

Incorporating a mix of table shapes, such as square and rectangular tables, can be a clever way to fill up the seating area. Their hard angles don't fit together as easily as round tables, requiring more space. This can work in your favour if you're looking to make a large room feel smaller.

Space Out the Tables

Spacing out tables in a way that feels and looks organic can be an effective strategy. By giving each chair a bit more room, you'll have fewer people at each table, which helps to fill up extra space. You can also use creative design elements, such as candles, flowers, ornaments, or bowls with dried fruits, to add a cosy touch.

Create Lounge Areas

If you have extra space, consider creating custom lounge areas for your guests. Small seating areas with sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables can provide intimate spaces for guests to relax, socialise, and catch up in smaller groups. This can be especially appreciated at a long wedding with lots of talking and socialising.

Use Creative Table Arrangements

The COVID-19 pandemic led to creative table arrangements to allow for social distancing, and some of these formats have since been adopted into general wedding design. A mix of different table shapes can be spaced out in a way that feels natural and fills the room.

Seat Guests at the Reception Tables for the Ceremony

If your ceremony and reception are in the same location, consider seating guests at their reception tables during the ceremony. This saves time and provides a seamless transition between the two parts of the day.

Opt for a Unique Ceremony Seating Layout

Instead of the standard ceremony seating layout with rows of chairs and an aisle down the middle, consider a more unique setup. For example, a "wedding in the round" uses rows of chairs in a round or semi-circle layout, putting the focus on the couple and adding intimacy, even for large guest lists.

By incorporating these creative seating arrangement ideas, you can make a big room feel smaller and more intimate for your wedding.

Create distinct areas for guests to relax

Creating distinct areas for guests to relax and socialise is a great way to make a large wedding venue feel more intimate. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Create a Lounge Area

Jessica Upton, owner of Uptown Events and Travel, suggests setting up a lounge area with couches, ottomans, and fun pillows that tie in with your design theme. This will encourage guests to relax and socialise in a more intimate setting. It will also provide a quiet area for guests who want to take a break from the festivities.

Use Creative Seating Arrangements

Mix up the seating arrangements by incorporating a variety of table shapes, such as square and rectangular tables, which don't fit together as easily as round tables and require more space. This will help to fill up the room and create a more intimate atmosphere. You can also give each chair a bit more room, reducing the number of people at each table and allowing for creative design elements such as flowers, candles, ornaments, or bowls with dried fruits.

Set Up a Cocktail Lounge

If you're having a cocktail hour in the same space as the reception, consider setting up a cocktail lounge area with high tables and stools. This will provide a space for guests to mingle and enjoy drinks and snacks. These tables can be quickly cleared away when dinner begins, or left set up for guests to use throughout the evening.

Use Distinct Zones

Think about how guests will move through the room and place distinct areas accordingly. For example, you can have a dance floor in the centre, with tables arranged around it to ensure everyone has a good view. Place the bar in a corner of the room, preferably away from the entrance, to avoid congestion. You can also set up a photo booth or food stations in different areas of the room to create a sense of variety and intimacy.

Use Lighting to Create Ambiance

Talk to a designer about creating a lighting plan that will transform the space and make it feel more intimate. Dimming the lights and using candles or fairy lights can create a magical and romantic atmosphere, even in a large room.

By incorporating these ideas, you can create distinct areas within a large wedding venue, providing guests with a variety of spaces to relax, socialise, and enjoy the festivities.

Frequently asked questions